Creative Crossroads

Catherine Dutton & Ellyn Zinsmeister
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Creative Crossroads

Welcome to Creative Crossroads, where creators share their stories and processes. Each episode features conversations with artists, designers, and makers about their work, inspiration, and creative journey. Join us to explore how ideas come to life and learn from creators who are shaping their fields. Creative Crossroads: Where makers meet, and ideas grow.

Episodes

  1. JAN 30

    Season 1 Finale and Reflections

    Creative Crossroads: Season 1 Finale and Reflections In the final episode of Season 1 of the Creative Crossroads podcast, hosts Catherine and Ellyn reflect on key learnings from their journey exploring creativity with various guests. They identify common themes such as the essential nature of creativity, the importance of the creative process over the final product, the role of community, managing creative blocks, balancing structure and spontaneity, and the evolution of creative practices. The conversation delves into individual episodes, highlighting insights from guests like Dusty, Amanda, Dori, Mel, Charles, and Amelia. Catherine and Ellyn also announce an exciting upcoming creative retreat, Remix and Stitch Lab, scheduled for September. This episode is packed with valuable reflections and sets the stage for a broader exploration of creativity in future seasons. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Season 01:16 Identifying Key Themes in Creativity 03:56 The Importance of Process Over Product 06:06 The Role of Community in Creativity 10:15 Managing Creative Blocks 12:48 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity 15:14 Evolution of Creative Practices 20:26 Inspiration in Everyday Life 22:37 Deep Dive into Dusty's Interview 26:56 Exploring Amanda Dunbar's Creative Journey 28:17 The Butt Phase and Knowing When to Stop 29:03 Perfectionism vs. Completion 30:20 The Feedback Loop of Creativity 30:55 Meeting Dori: A Fun Conversation 31:34 The Essential Nature of Creativity 33:39 Transitioning from Dreaming Bear 35:55 Self-Judgment in Art 38:58 Mel Beach: The Importance of Play 43:07 Charles: The Analytical Creative 47:13 Amelia: Art Therapy and Personal Expression 52:33 Inspiring Creativity: Upcoming Retreat 54:30 Season Recap and Future Plans Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    56 min

  2. JAN 13

    Amelia Knott on Digital Spaces, Therapy and Creativity

    In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Amelia Knott, a registered psychotherapist and art therapist based in British Columbia. Amelia shares her rich journey from childhood art experiences to becoming a multifaceted professional encompassing art therapy, content creation, and authorship. Her first book, 'The Art of Thriving Online,' emphasizes navigating the digital space using creativity as a tool for well-being. Amelia discusses her creative process, the importance of focusing on the experience rather than the outcome, and how she incorporates unconventional materials into her work. She also elaborates on art therapy sessions, highlighting the intermodal shift and the importance of process over product. Amelia's insights examine balancing structure and spontaneity in personal and professional creative endeavors. Find Amelia: Her website: Art Therapy in Real Life On Instagram: @art_therapy_irl Amelia's Book: The Art of Thriving Online (Amelia's Book) 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 Amelia's Creative Journey 02:41 Family Influence and Early Art Experiences 04:32 Art Therapy and Professional Path 05:03 Creative Process and Evolution 11:39 Balancing Art and Therapy 14:25 Creative Space and Environment 17:33 Morning Pages and Overcoming Creative Blocks 22:40  of Structure and Community 23:58 Collaboration in Art and Life 26:31 Finding Inspiration Beyond Nature 30:00 The Role of Art Therapy 35:39 Navigating Creative Blocks 40:28 The Art of Thriving Online 44:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    48 min

  3. JAN 6

    Charles Cameron: Innovation and Inspiration in Modern Quilting

    In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Charles Cameron, a modern quilter and engineer based in North Carolina. Charles shares how he balances his analytical day job with his vibrant quilting practice. Cameron's quilts, featuring bright colors and modern designs, have been showcased at QuiltCon and have won awards, including the first-place ribbon for his Sudoku quilt in 2022. He talks about his creative process, which blends structure and spontaneity, and how his design wall and PowerPoint help him visualize and iterate on ideas. Charles also discusses the influences from his childhood, how collaboration in quilting bees has impacted his work and his use of unconventional tools like painter's tape. He reflects on the evolving nature of the modern quilt movement and how the quilting community continues to inspire him. Join us for an insightful conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the joy of quilting. Find Charles on Instagram: Charles@FeltLikeSweets 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Charles Cameron 01:30 Charles Cameron's Quilting Journey 04:17 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity in Quilting 06:54 The Bee Project and Creative Collaboration 17:18 Designing Quilts with PowerPoint 20:47 Quilting Beginnings and Early Inspirations 21:02 Creating Unique Quilts for My Daughters 23:10 Involving Family in Quilting 23:43 Sources of Inspiration 26:30 Handling Creative Blocks 27:17 Designing and Pivoting Projects 29:57 Personal Quilting Philosophy 31:17 Unconventional Tools and Techniques 32:52 Long-Term Projects and Iterations 35:13 The Modern Quilt Movement 40:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    43 min

  4. 12/20/2024

    Mel Beach: Creativity as Problem Solving

    In this episode of Creative Crossroads, Ellyn and Catherine sit down with award-winning fiber and mixed media artist Mel Beach. Mel shares insights into her creative journey, which began in her childhood without cable TV and involvement in activities like Girl Scouts and 4-H. This early exposure led Mel to a lifelong passion for crafting and problem-solving, particularly through fiber arts. She discusses her innovative approach of using dice to inspire her 100-day project. Mel delves into how she balances structure with spontaneity in her work, often finding inspiration in the world around her. She also talks about her unique method of reusing materials, such as upcycling quilt sandwiches into quilted hearts, for the 'I Found a Quilted Heart' project. Additionally, Mel highlights the importance of community in her creative process, appreciating both learning with other artists and undertaking solo adventures. Find Mel Online! Website / Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter Sign-Up Mentioned During the Podcast FabMo: https://www.fabmo.org/Project Quilting I Found a Quilted Heart ProjectPeople who inspire Mel Jennifer Wilkin PenickWilla WandersThe Show Up Society with Tammie Bennett Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    32 min

  5. 12/07/2024

    Finding Joy in Creation: Insights from Artist Dori Patrick

    In this episode of Creative Crossroads,  Ellyn and Catherine welcome mixed media artist Dori Patrick, who shares her inspiring creative journey. Dori, hailing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, owned a collaborative art studio and storefront called the Dreaming Bear for 12 years. It was filled with creative workshops, parties, and community outreach projects. After closing Dreaming Bear, Dori transitioned to working from a home studio, where she rediscovered her personal creative process and style. She discusses her upbringing in a creative family, the need to express herself through making things, and her belief that everyone can be creative in their own way. Dori describes how she navigates creative blocks, gets inspiration from everyday life, and organizes her space for optimal productivity. She also reflects on the importance of community and her evolving role from teaching others to focusing on her artwork. As Dori prepares for art shows and continues to explore new ways to inspire and connect with fellow creatives, she shares valuable insights into staying motivated and true to one's artistic voice. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:48 Dori Patrick's Creative Journey 07:40 Finding and Honoring Your Creative Voice 11:27 Navigating Creative Blocks 13:53 Working on Multiple Projects 21:46 Studio Space and Organization 25:53 Opening the Dreaming Bear 27:21 Community Outreach and Events 29:57 Challenges and Closing the Store 33:47 Transition to a New Season 36:55 Finding Inspiration and Creativity 43:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Check out Dori's Work and follow her! Dori’s WebsiteDori on InstagramDori on FacebookDori’s Etsy Shop Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    48 min

  6. 11/25/2024

    Experiment and Take Chances with Amanda Dunbar

    In this episode of Creative Crossroads, hosts Ellyn and Catherine interview Amanda Dunbar, oil painter, printmaker, and PhD candidate in art history. Amanda shares insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of experimentation and learning from failures. She discusses how her journey in art evolved, including her foray into fiber arts during her pregnancy and the impact of the pandemic on her work. Amanda explains how she balances multiple projects, often working on several at once, including commissioned pieces. She provides valuable advice on overcoming creative blocks and self-doubt, stressing the significance of revisiting initial inspirations. Amanda also touches on the influence of her creative family background and how she hopes to inspire creativity in her  children. The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of a creative life, offering inspiration and practical tips for artists at all stages of their journey. 00:00 Introduction to Amanda Dunbar 00:41 Defining Creativity 01:29 Amanda's Creative Process 03:23 Navigating Creative Blocks 07:11 Working on Commissions 10:17 Balancing Multiple Projects 14:40 Influence of Family and Upbringing 17:50 Creating with Kids 20:08 Amanda's Creative Spaces 22:10 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity 27:27 Overcoming Self-Doubt 28:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    32 min

  7. 11/09/2024

    Embracing Your Creative Confidence: Dusty Allendorf's Journey

    In this episode, Dusty Allendorf shares personal experiences on how she has grown to be more assertive over time. Highlighting her personal development and creative journey, Dusty discusses how overcoming these challenges have positively impacted her life. We also he discusses innovation in her quilting integrating laser cutting and hand dyed fabrics.  Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

    28 min

  8. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Welcome to Creative Crossroads: Meet Your Hosts Ellyn & Catherine

    In this introductory episode of Creative Crossroads, Catherine and Ellyn introduce themselves and their vision for the podcast. They discuss their backgrounds as lifelong creators, their passion for community-building, and their unique perspectives on creativity. The episode lays the foundation for future discussions with talented artists and explores how creativity impacts both the individual and the community. Join Catherine and Ellyn as they invite you into a vibrant community of makers and share insights that will inspire your own creative journey. 00:00 Welcome to Creative Crossroads 00:33 Meet Your Hosts: Catherine and Ellyn 00:43 Ellyn's Creative Journey 01:47 Building Creative Communities 03:17 Catherine's Creative Background 03:39 The Intersection of Creativity and Research 04:39 Vision for the Podcast 06:14 Encouraging Listener Creativity 07:35 Conclusion and Future Episodes

    8 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Creative Crossroads, where creators share their stories and processes. Each episode features conversations with artists, designers, and makers about their work, inspiration, and creative journey. Join us to explore how ideas come to life and learn from creators who are shaping their fields. Creative Crossroads: Where makers meet, and ideas grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Catherine Dutton & Ellyn Zinsmeister
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mod Maker Zone
  • Show Website
    Creative Crossroads

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